In a withering end-of-term verdict on the year of famine for the Old Trafford giants , Man United legend Keane scoffed at the hype which trumpeted Jones as the "new Duncan Edwards" when he joined the club.

"Never mind the World Cup, Jones and Smalling have had a platform for the last couple of years. We were told two or three years ago that Jones was going to be the new Duncan Edwards and Smalling was as good.

"I've watched United live nine or 10 times this year and they have been none of those things - if anything, they have gone backwards."

Wednesday's Manchester United stories from other newspapers and websites

United could lose out to Liverpool in the race for Portugal international William Carvalho , reports the Daily Star.

Carvalho has starred for Sporting Lisbon this term, and has been regularly watched by United, with claims his representative met United officials in January.

However, following the uncertainty surrounding David Moyes' departure, Liverpool are now said to have moved into pole position for his signature.

And with the Merseysiders' able to offer Champions League football, the 22-year-old may fancy a move to Anfield.

Hull City boss Steve Bruce is interested in taking Rio Ferdinand to Hull City after the announcement that he would be leaving United this summer.

Asked about the former England skipper, Bruce said: "We’ve cast an eye on a few things. I haven’t looked into that yet, because the news only broke last night. Rio has been a wonderful player. Who knows? If he fancies a game…

"We’ve got Arsenal at Wembley on Saturday, so let me get over the weekend first, then I’ll see if we’ll give him a call," said Bruce, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Outgoing United captain Nemanja Vidic has revealed "everyone lost belief" and that players argued among themselves during a dismal final season at Old Trafford.